DREAMS of a CLOUD
Peruse the many random ramblings of a writer-in-training as I build stories and develop my craft.
3 June 2024 part 1
As Isaac opened his mouth to reply, Phillip held up a hand to stop him. “And one other thing. Say you’re right. Say we convince her, and she come back to Lowenveil City with us. What then?”
Isaac looked up at his friend in shock, so Phillip continued, “Did you forget? She’s only got a few weeks before bam! She keels over dead. Any guesses how she feels about that?”
1 June 2024
“Was… was that really Princess Aurora?”
For the longest moment, Phillip stared at him, unimpressed. “She looks more like your mom than you do, Isaac.”
14 May 2024
“Oh, wow! Did you paint that? That’s Percival, right?
Instantly, Rapuzel’s expression brightened. “You read the King Arthur books?” When Phillip nodded, she pressed, “How far have you gotten?”
“I’m all caught up, even with the latest book [author]’s released. You?”
7 May 2024
Isaac could only stare at the girl leading them onward.
This was Aurora? Really? This cowardly, frail slip of a girl was supposed to be his long-lost sister?
6 May 2024
“Sorry about all that. We’re looking for my sister, Aurora. Do you know where she is?”
Rapunzel’s face turned red as she realized she messed up. Or had she? He mouth opened and closed a few times as she tried to figure out what she should do.
While her mind spun, the two boys waited a moment before Phillip shrugged and opened the door. They were already out in the hallway before Rapunzel finally called out, eyes closed, “I-it’s me!”
26 April 2024
“Why couldn’t Maleficent find her? She’s not really mortal anymore, is she?”
Lena scowled at the mention of Venwald’s queen, but Frieda chuckled darkly. “Had it been anyone else she faced, the Fairy Killer would have noticed. How long did she wander these woods, searching for something she can never find, I wonder?”
5 April 2024
Ne’er have I regretted a promise more
And decades since last I shed a tear
Yet I will respect thy wish
Breath for breath, and life for life.
13 February 2024
In the same moment, both women shifted. Instead of a frail wisp of a girl, Frieda was now a full-bodied, statuesque woman, even a bit taller than Phillip. Lena was still short, roughly around Isaac’s height, but instead of an old lady she now had youthful even elfin features, with dark hair pulled back in a long braid.
Isaac tried to protest, only to discover he couldn’t make any sound. He could breath just fine, but his voice was just…gone.
6 February 2024
Phillip, what cruelty is this?
The treasure, though found, is but dross
My eyes now see nothing but bones
And she, for sure, no princess can be
5 February 2024
Everything clicked together. Green and pink dresses, a shack out in the boonies… Even their names. Isaac couldn’t help but smile widely. “Right, I never introduced myself. Prince of Lowenveil at your service; my godmother is queen of Venwald. You might know her as Maleficent.”
3 February 2024
“I wanted to understand how it works. How do you determine people’s fortunes? What kinds of things do you see? How do you interpret that?”
Alne’s smile grew strained. “These secrets come with great dangers, and for those not well-versed in the mystic arts, I doubt it would even be comprehensible.”
1 February 2024
It took another hour or so to reach the shack in the center of the swamp. A rickety old sign teetered at the edge of the island, with the words, “Fortunes and Potions! No Refunds.”
31 January 2024
“That seems like a terrible idea.”
“Worse than leaving me in charge?”
For a long moment, Phillip didn’t reply. “Lowenveil’s doomed, isn’t it?”
Isaac’s grinned widened, while he did his best to ignore the little prick he felt at Phillip’s comment.
30 January 2024
Come one, come all,
And see the blessed babe
Aurora, our light,
Our hope and delight.
27 January 2024
“Excuse me! Sorry to bother you, but is your name Aurora?”
Rather than reply, Rapunzel pulled her head back and slammed the window shut, before she curled into a ball in a corner of the room. Aurora. That was her real name, right? Which means that boy was probably…
“My brother!?” Rapunzel squeaked.
24 January 2024 part 1
“And why… *oof*. Why would they ever agree to help us?”
Isaac’s eyes narrowed. “They owe my family a debt.”
23 January 2024
Isaac lifted an eyebrow and smirked at his friend. “Didn’t I tell you? There’s been reports of a pair of witches around here. What kind of prince would I be if I let my people suffer such things?”
“No, I get that part.” Phillip grunted as he jerked one foot free. “What I mean is, why are we here?
30 November 2022
Hannah nodded. “And that’s why. I want to make as many special memories together with Aurora as I can before we’re separated. Not many people are lucky enough to get advance notice on when their time will run out, after all.” She turned to Rapunzel. “Of course, that’s only if you’re okay with it, Aurora. It is your birthday, after all.”
Rapunzel blinked. She’d never thought about it that way before. She still didn’t think she’d consider herself lucky, but it did make her feel more positive about the circumstances. “Yeah… Yeah. I like that idea.”
24 November 2022
For a while, Isaac couldn’t find the words. “It’s like… I thought it’d be different, you know? I’ve searched for her for years. My whole life, in a way. I thought it’d be so amazing when we found her, and everyone would be happy, and… Instead, Mom and Dad are all but dead. My eyes are going to drive me insane, and technically, I should’ve been blind. And Aurora… Rapunzel…” He snorted. “Well, whatever I was expecting from my sister, she is not it.”
23 November 2022
Once the dragon faded away and only Gothel remained, that’s when it really struck Aurora that this was real, it was really her.
Aurora walked over and pulled the sword out of Gothel’s back, then turned her body over so she could at least face the sky. Aurora’s heart churned. This was the woman she’d called “mother” for all those years. And she’d helped kill her.